Could Celtic have brilliantly outmaneuvered Como in the high-stakes transfer of winger Nicolas Kuhn? This summer saga is packed with drama, fan fury, and a dash of unexpected twists that have everyone talking—keep reading to see why!
Nicolas Kuhn's departure from Celtic this summer didn't just ruffle a few feathers; it ignited a full-blown uproar among the club's passionate supporters. The issue wasn't that Kuhn was permitted to exit for a hefty £16.5 million fee to join newly promoted Serie A side Como—in fact, that seemed like a savvy business move. No, the real frustration stemmed from Celtic's apparent struggle to immediately fill the gap left by the talented winger, with many fans arguing that the team still hasn't adequately addressed the void in their squad. Imagine a beloved player who lit up the pitch suddenly vanishing, and the team scrambling to recapture that magic—it's a scenario that tests the patience of any supporter.
But here's where it gets controversial: While Celtic fans keep up their protests against the club's board, often voicing their discontent at matches like the one against Falkirk, Kuhn himself is grappling with a rocky start in Italy. For newcomers to football, Serie A is Italy's top-tier league, known for its high intensity and star-studded teams, and Como earned their spot there through promotion in 2024. Their manager, the legendary Cesc Fabregas, has received significant backing, including investments from his old Barcelona buddy Thierry Henry. This Lombardy-based club has kicked off the season with impressive form, currently perched in seventh place, just four points shy of third-position AC Milan. Yet, Kuhn's journey hasn't mirrored that success.
In fact, it's been a bumpy road. During Como's crucial early matches against heavyweights Juventus and Napoli, Fabregas opted not to deploy Kuhn at all. And this is the part most people miss: A closer look at the stats reveals a stark contrast. At Como so far, Kuhn has featured in 9 games, starting 4 of them from the bench and 5 as an unused substitute. He's yet to score a goal or provide an assist, racking up a total of 397 minutes on the pitch. Compare that to his breakout at Celtic, where after a slow January 2024 arrival from Rapid Wien—when he scored just 3 goals and 2 assists in his first 18 games—he exploded with confidence. Last season, he played in 51 matches, netting 21 goals and delivering 15 assists. It's like watching a player hit a slump after a surge, leaving fans wondering if the spark will reignite.
Celtic pundit Tam McManus took to social media to declare that Celtic had essentially 'pulled Como's pants down' with the deal, implying the Scottish club came out on top. 'Celtic have had Como’s pants down with Nicholas Kuhn, haven’t they?' he tweeted on November 13, 2025, sparking a wave of reactions. When critics called it disrespectful, McManus clarified: 'The point was Celtic got 16.5m + add-ons for him, brilliant deal for Celtic, s__t for Como, IMO.' This bold statement highlights the cutthroat nature of football transfers—where one club's gain can feel like another's loss, especially when a high-priced asset falters. Is this just sour grapes from fans and analysts, or a fair assessment of a transfer that might not pay off for Como yet?
Don't count Kuhn out just yet, though. As seen in his Celtic arc, where he overcame early doubts to become a key player, he might need time to adjust, gain footing, and deliver on that big fee. In the months ahead, Como's fans could well reap the benefits of their investment, turning skepticism into celebration. For example, players like Kuhn often take a season or two to adapt to a new league's style, from Scotland's physicality to Italy's tactical depth—much like how international stars sometimes bloom after initial struggles.
So, do you side with the fans who think Celtic fleeced Como, or believe Kuhn's potential will shine through eventually? Is this transfer a masterstroke for Celtic's finances, or a gamble that could backfire if Kuhn thrives abroad? Share your opinions in the comments—let's discuss the fascinating world of football deals and player performances!
